The biggest benefit of using orthodontic appliances may seem obvious: Straight teeth look great! But beyond aesthetics, treating crooked teeth can also impact your overall health and well-being. Here, learn the all-around perks of orthodontic treatments and your options for addressing dental misalignments.
Benefits of Orthodontic Appliances
Need a bit more encouragement before agreeing to treatment for dental misalignment? Saying yes to orthodontic appliances can make you look and feel great from the inside out. Additionally, it can:
1. Improve your smile.
Do you agree that having a flawless set of pearly whites can do wonders for one’s overall appearance? If so, you know the power straight teeth, a correct bite, and non-existent crowding hold. Be on your way to achieving all that with orthodontic solutions! Because, really, a winning smile is always worth your while.
2. Save money in the long run.
Orthodontic treatment may seem time-consuming and uneconomical, but the advantages of fixing misaligned teeth can save you a lifetime of regret. Neglecting your dental issues can lead to more severe conditions, which means you’ll need to spend on more costly procedures in the future. Consider orthodontics as a wise long-term investment in your oral (and financial!) health.
3. Lower risk of tooth decay.
The American Association of Orthodontists emphasises the importance of orthodontic appliances in maintaining overall health. Malocclusions or misalignments lead to tighter spaces between teeth, making toothbrushing an ordeal. This results in food particles and bacteria getting stuck in those impenetrable nooks and crannies. Consequently, that buildup can increase your risk of tooth decay. But with proper alignment – thanks to orthodontics – you’ll be cleaning your teeth in a breeze.
4. Help manage gum disease.
Part of ensuring overall oral health is paying attention to your gums. A study from the Journal of Clinical Periodontology highlighted the possible relationship between gum disease and malocclusions. Like tooth decay, periodontitis can occur due to plaque and bacteria buildup. If left untreated, the condition can even result in more severe issues like receding gums and tooth loss.
5. Make eating easier.
People with an open bite can’t bring their upper and lower teeth together. Others may struggle with teeth not making contact at the back. In any case, both issues make eating problematic. Additionally, neglecting to fix your misaligned bite can result in pain, discomfort, and poor nutrition intake.
The good news: The American Association of Orthodontics suggested the use of orthodontic appliances to improve digestive functions, like chewing and swallowing. When your teeth come together in the correct position as a result of treatment, they can break down food more effortlessly. That’s something to chew on if you’re still unsure about having your bite fixed!
6. Boost self-confidence.
Don’t let crooked teeth hold you back! A study by the International Orthodontics Journal revealed that orthodontic treatments offered a positive psychological impact on self-esteem in young adults with malocclusion. Straight teeth can also affect people’s perception of you as they can be associated with competence and success. Want to be a picture of confidence during a date or your first day at a new job? Consider fixing your misaligned teeth ASAP!
7. Improve your quality of life.
It isn’t just your self-worth that teeth alignment can build up. Orthodontic appliances can change your life for the better, according to one study by the European Journal of Orthodontics. Straight and healthy teeth can improve how you eat, sleep, work, and play (sports). Isn’t that something to smile about?
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
Ready to get closer to your dream smile? Depending on your condition, your dentist can prescribe any one of these devices to treat your concern:
- Metal braces: These are one of the most common teeth straightening options because of their proven effectiveness. However, they can cause mouth discomfort and cleaning around their wires and brackets can be challenging.
- Headgears: Doctors may recommend headgears to realign the jaw and treat underbites or overbites.
- Ceramic braces: These are similar to traditional metal braces but use a translucent ceramic material to mimic the teeth’s colour. But besides requiring more maintenance, ceramic braces may also fetch a higher price tag.
- Palate expander: If you have a narrow jaw or crossbite, your dentist might recommend this appliance to correct your condition. Orthodontic or palate expanders work by slowly expanding the roof of the mouth.
- Dental aligners: Are you hesitant to seek treatment because of the impact of orthodontic appliances on your looks (and quality of life!)? Consider this “invisible” option. Aligners like ClearCorrect are discreet, comfortable, and completely removable, so you get a smile upgrade without having to dampen your lifestyle.
Let orthodontic appliances transform more than just your teeth! A smile revamp will have you looking and feeling brand new. What are you waiting for? Work with your treating doctor to assess your condition so you can find a device that best suits your needs and lifestyle. And don’t hold off on treating your teeth too long. Fix your misalignment today so you can look forward to reaping a lifetime of benefits for your health, wellness, and beyond.
References:
American Association of Orthodontists. (2023, January 11). Why orthodontics? | American Association of Orthodontists.
Bernhardt, O., Krey, K., Daboul, A., Völzke, H., Kindler, S., Kocher, T., & Schwahn, C. (2019). New insights in the link between malocclusion and periodontal disease. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 46(2), 144–159.
Grewal, H., Sapawat, P., Modi, P., & Aggarwal, S. P. (2019). Psychological impact of orthodontic treatment on quality of life – A longitudinal study. International Orthodontics, 17(2), 269–276.
Johal, A., Alyaqoobi, I., Patel, R., & Cox, S. (2014). The impact of orthodontic treatment on quality of life and self-esteem in adult patients. European Journal of Orthodontics, 37(3), 233–237.
Zanon, G., Contardo, L., & Reda, B. (2022). The Impact of Orthodontic Treatment on masticatory Performance: a literature review.
